POST-TURNOVER MAINTENANCE: Provisions, Inclusions, Limitations, Obligations, and Exclusions Every Homeowner Should Know

Taking possession of your new home or property is a major milestone—but the responsibilities don’t end at turnover. Once the keys are handed over, the focus shifts to post-turnover maintenance to keep your investment in top shape and compliant with warranty terms.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key provisions, standard inclusions, limitations, homeowner obligations, and common exclusions of post-turnover maintenance.

🧾 What Is Post-Turnover Maintenance?

Post-turnover maintenance refers to the regular upkeep, minor repairs, and preventive measures a homeowner is responsible for after the property is officially handed over by the contractor or developer. This ensures safety, comfort, longevity of materials, and compliance with warranty requirements.

✅ What’s Typically Included in Post-Turnover Maintenance?

Most developers and contractors provide a Home Maintenance Guide which outlines care instructions. Here are standard inclusions:

1. Basic Utility Checks– Monitoring water pressure, checking for leaks, testing electrical outlets, and inspecting circuit breakers.

2. Cleaning & Surface Care– Floor tiles, countertops, windows, paint finishes, and bathroom fixtures.

3. HVAC & Appliance Maintenance– Air filter replacement, proper use of water heaters, and appliance instructions if included.

4. Drainage & Plumbing Upkeep– Avoiding clogging, cleaning floor drains, and using approved cleaners.

5. Exterior Maintenance– Gutter cleaning, paint retouching, landscaping upkeep, and waterproofing checks.

6. Routine Inspections– Visual inspections of ceilings, walls, floors, roof, and pipes.

   
   

📌 Key Provisions in Post-Turnover Maintenance

A developer or contractor may include maintenance-related provisions such as:

• Warranty Conditions– Some warranties are voided if proper maintenance is not done regularly.

• User Guides & Manuals– These should be handed over along with the property for reference.

• Scheduled Maintenance Checklists– Some developers offer a 3-month or 6-month inspection to ensure early defects are addressed.

• Service Hotline or Helpdesk Access– For troubleshooting issues within the warranty period.

⚠️ Limitations of Post-Turnover Maintenance

Even with guidelines, post-turnover maintenance has limitations:

• Limited Developer Responsibility– Once turnover is complete, most responsibilities shift to the homeowner.

• Warranty Expires Over Time– Structural warranties may last 10 years, but most aesthetic/functional warranties expire within 1 year.

• No Obligation to Replace Upgraded Fixtures– If an owner replaces fixtures, future issues may no longer be covered.

📌 Obligations of the Homeowner

After turnover, homeowners are expected to:

1. Perform Regular Upkeep – Clean and maintain the property to prevent premature wear.

2. Use Fixtures Properly – Misuse or overloading circuits and plumbing can void warranties.

3. Report Issues Promptly – Notify the developer or contractor immediately if defects appear.

4. Allow Warranty Inspections – Give access to authorized personnel for checking repairs or issues.

5. Avoid Unauthorized Modifications – Structural or layout changes without approval may forfeit certain coverage.

   
   

🚫 Common Exclusions in Post-Turnover Maintenance

Be aware that most warranties do not cover the following:

• Wear and Tear– Scratches, stains, faded paint, and usage-related defects.

• Owner-Caused Damage– Breakage due to negligence, improper cleaning, or forced installations.

• Acts of Nature– Damage from floods, earthquakes, typhoons, or other natural disasters.

• Third-Party Work– Issues caused by unauthorized contractors or DIY renovations.

• Consumables– Light bulbs, batteries, filters, and similar items are usually not covered.

🏠 Protect Your Property, Preserve Its Value

Post-turnover maintenance isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about preserving the value of your investment, preventing costly repairs, and ensuring your warranty remains valid. With the right knowledge and discipline, your home will remain safe, beautiful, and functional for years to come.

POST-TURNOVER MAINTENANCE: Provisions, Inclusions, Limitations, Obligations, and Exclusions Every Homeowner Should Know

How Much Does It Cost to Secure a Building Permit in the Philippines?

If you're planning to build your dream home or a new commercial space in the Philippines, one of the first legal steps is securing a building permit. This document ensures that your planned structure complies with the National Building Code of the Philippines, zoning laws, safety standards, and local ordinances.

But how much does it really cost?

📋 What is a Building Permit?

A building permit is an official document issued by the Office of the Building Official (OBO) of your local government unit (LGU). It gives you legal permission to begin construction or renovation.

💰 Average Cost of a Building Permit

The cost varies depending on several factors such as:

• Location (LGU policies may vary)

• Type of structure (residential, commercial, industrial)

• Total floor area

• Estimated construction cost

On average, here’s a breakdown of typical costs for a residential house:

Permit Type	Estimated Cost (PHP)
Building Permit Fee	₱6,000 – ₱12,000+
Electrical Permit	₱1,000 – ₱3,000
Sanitary/Plumbing Permit	₱1,000 – ₱2,500
Mechanical Permit (if applicable)	₱1,000 – ₱2,000
Fire Safety Inspection Fee	₱500 – ₱2,000
Total Estimated Fees	₱10,000 – ₱25,000+

⚠️ Note: These are estimates based on typical 50–100 sqm residential buildings. Commercial buildings or multi-story homes will cost more.

📑 Requirements Before Application

To apply for a building permit, you must prepare:

• Barangay clearance

• Lot title & tax declaration

• Contract of lease or Deed of sale (if not owned)

• Architectural, Structural, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical plans

• Bill of Materials and Specifications

• Estimated Cost of Construction

• Professional Tax Receipt & PRC license of your architect or engineer

🕒 Processing Time

It usually takes 10 to 30 working days, depending on how complete your documents are and how efficient your LGU is.

💡 Tips to Save Time & Money

• Hire a licensed architect or contractor who can help process the permits for you.

• Double-check your documents before submission.

• Start early, especially if you are targeting the dry season for construction.

✅ Final Thoughts

Building permits may seem like an added expense, but they protect you from costly legal issues, penalties, or even demolition. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and long-term safety.

If you're planning to build soon and need help securing your permits, our team at [Your Company Name] is ready to assist you from design to construction.

📞 Message us today for a free consultation!

How Much Does It Cost to Secure a Building Permit in the Philippines?

CERTIFICATE OF TURNOVER & COMPLETION: Provisions, Inclusions, Limitations, and Exclusions Every Property Owner Should Know

In any construction or real estate project, the Certificate of Turnover and Completion is a critical document that marks the official handover of a unit or building from the contractor or developer to the owner. It's more than just a symbolic moment—it carries legal, financial, and operational implications.

Whether you’re a contractor, developer, or homeowner, understanding this certificate’s provisions, inclusions, limitations, and exclusions is key to a smooth and successful transition.

📜 What Is a Certificate of Turnover and Completion?

The Certificate of Turnover and Completion is a formal document issued at the end of a construction project, certifying that the scope of work is completed and that the unit or structure is ready for occupancy or use. It is usually signed by both the project owner and contractor/developer.

This document often accompanies other forms like the Certificate of Acceptance and is required before occupancy permits, warranties, and final payments are processed.

✅ Standard Inclusions in a Certificate of Turnover and Completion

A proper certificate will typically include:

1. Project Details– Property location, description, and project name.

2. Completion Date– The date the project or unit was completed based on the approved plans.

3. Statement of Completion– Confirmation that all agreed works under the contract have been finished.

4. Signatures of All Parties– Developer/contractor, owner/client, project manager, and sometimes third-party inspectors.

5. Attachments– Final punchlist report, as-built drawings, occupancy permit (if available), manuals, and warranty documents.

6. Acknowledgment of Property Handover– Confirmation that the property keys, documents, and access rights have been transferred.

   
   

📃 Key Provisions in the Certificate of Turnover and Completion

Some important provisions commonly included are:

• Finality of Completion– Declares the project complete and compliant with contract specifications and local building codes.

• Warranty Activation– Indicates when the warranty period begins (usually upon signing).

• Retention Payment Clause– Triggers the release of retention money, if all punchlist items are addressed.

• Use and Occupancy Approval– Acknowledges readiness for use, pending government permits such as the Occupancy Permit.

• Responsibility Transfer– From this point forward, the owner assumes full care and maintenance of the unit or building.

⚠️ Limitations of the Certificate

Despite its importance, there are limitations to this certificate:

• Does Not Cover Hidden Defects– Latent or unseen defects may only be addressed under the separate warranty clause.

• Dependent on Final Inspection– The certificate is often conditional on punchlist clearance and post-inspection approval.

• Occupancy Permit Not Guaranteed– This certificate is not a substitute for the official occupancy permit from the local government.

• Does Not Waive Warranties– Signing the certificate does not eliminate the contractor’s obligations for warranty repairs.

🚫 Common Exclusions

The Certificate of Turnover and Completion generally excludes:

• Owner-initiated changes or additions– Works outside of the original scope or contract (e.g., additional rooms or features).

• Post-turnover maintenance– Future issues due to lack of proper care, misuse, or natural wear and tear.

• Furniture and Appliances (if not specified)– Unless listed in the contract or turnover documents.

• Force Majeure or Environmental Damage– Floods, typhoons, earthquakes, or other disasters occurring post-completion.

🛠️ Tips Before Signing the Certificate

1. Perform a Thorough Walkthrough – Check all utilities, finishes, and features personally.

2. Consult a Technical Expert – Have an engineer or inspector join the final inspection.

3. Verify Punchlist Completion – Ensure all listed deficiencies are fixed.

4. Check the Warranty Start Date – This date affects how long you can request repairs.

5. Collect All Supporting Documents – As-built plans, manuals, warranty booklets, and utility registrations.

   
   

🏠 Final Words: Completion Is Just the Beginning

The Certificate of Turnover and Completion is your assurance that your home or building is ready for its next chapter. Understanding its provisions, inclusions, and limitations helps protect your investment and ensures that both parties fulfill their obligations with transparency and professionalism.

CERTIFICATE OF TURNOVER & COMPLETION: Provisions, Inclusions, Limitations, and Exclusions Every Property Owner Should Know